EP2605505A1 - Appareil et procédé de contrôle d'une caméra et illuminateur à infrarouges dans un dispositif électronique - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de contrôle d'une caméra et illuminateur à infrarouges dans un dispositif électronique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2605505A1
EP2605505A1 EP11193739.7A EP11193739A EP2605505A1 EP 2605505 A1 EP2605505 A1 EP 2605505A1 EP 11193739 A EP11193739 A EP 11193739A EP 2605505 A1 EP2605505 A1 EP 2605505A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
illuminator
camera
image
light
electronic device
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP11193739.7A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2605505B1 (fr
Inventor
Christopher William Wood
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BlackBerry Ltd
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Research in Motion Ltd
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Priority to EP11193739.7A priority Critical patent/EP2605505B1/fr
Priority to CA2794067A priority patent/CA2794067C/fr
Publication of EP2605505A1 publication Critical patent/EP2605505A1/fr
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, such as a digital camera, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, or other electronic device that includes a digital camera and an infrared illuminator. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera with an infrared illuminator (e.g., an infrared emitter) in an electronic device wherein the camera can use the infrared illuminator during an image capture process.
  • an infrared illuminator e.g., an infrared emitter
  • Digital cameras have become small and inexpensive, and as a result, many electronic devices can include a digital camera.
  • Examples of such electronic devices include many portable wireless electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and the like. These cameras can be convenient additions to electronic devices because they are often portable enough to be carried with the user at most times.
  • the camera in a portable device can be used for taking pictures and videos, to document events and communicate with others.
  • the camera can also be used as a data entry or data capture device, where the camera can be configured to scan documents and various types of bar codes.
  • cameras can be used to capture vast amounts of image data (e.g., still photos and moving video images) and process, store, and communicate such data for many useful purposes.
  • a digital camera includes a lens that focuses light on a light sensor or image sensor, where the light is reflected from the subject of the scene, and from other objects in the scene.
  • the sensor can convert the light, at each pixel location on the sensor, into digital data.
  • a camera sensor before the camera captures image data, can be used to determine a proper exposure value, and whether or not additional illumination would improve the exposure of the scene.
  • light from the scene can be allowed into the camera and measured by the camera's image sensor, or by an alternate sensor used for metering a photographic scene. Based on these measurements, calculations can determine an opening size for the camera aperture and a duration for the exposure of the camera sensor.
  • the camera can use an illuminator, or flash, to cast additional light on the scene, and take additional measurements while the illuminator is active.
  • the illuminator can be implemented with a light emitting diode (LED) that emits a balanced white light.
  • the illuminator can be implemented with a small incandescent bulb, or with a xenon tube flash.
  • Disadvantages of using the illuminator to "preflash" the photo include annoying or distracting persons in the photographic scene, using additional time before the photograph is taken, and using energy for the preflash illumination. Persons in the photographic scene can be annoyed by additional flashes of light in the eyes. If too much time is taken before the photograph, a particularly interesting photographic moment may be lost because the camera was not fast enough to capture the image. And with regard to power consumption, conserving battery charge in a battery-powered device is always important to the goal of extending battery life.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an electronic device, such as a smart phone, having a camera and an infrared illuminator in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of an electronic assembly for operation of the electronic device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a camera subsystem in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a camera and an infrared illuminator, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • An implementation of the present disclosure advantageously provides an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera and an infrared illuminator in an electronic device.
  • the disclosure generally relates to an electronic device, which can be a portable electronic device, or a wireless electronic device, in the embodiments described herein.
  • Examples of an electronic device include a digital camera, a digital music player, or a digital scanner.
  • Examples of a wireless device include mobile, or handheld, wireless communication devices, such as pagers, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants, wirelessly enabled notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, and the like.
  • a representative electronic device 20 is depicted. While in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , electronic device 20 is a smart phone, other examples of electronic devices 20 can include a digital camera, a bar code scanner, a cellular telephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and other similar data processing devices. Some of these exemplary electronic devices 20 can communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a cellular phone network, data network, or wireless local area network. Electronic device 20 may also be able to communicate data representing text, images, video, data files, command and control information, programs, and the like.
  • buttons or keypad 22 can be used to select various menus and functions.
  • data, menus, and functions of electronic device 20 can be displayed and selected (or otherwise manipulated) using display 24.
  • display 24 can incorporate a touchscreen, which is sensitive to human touch or input with a stylus.
  • an on-screen keypad can be implemented as a display of keys or buttons arranged on display 24.
  • Keypad 22 and display 24 can be used together to enter text data into electronic device 20.
  • Such data can be used to control, set parameters, or select operating modes for operating a camera, such as camera 26.
  • Display 24 can be used to frame photographs or video, display photographs or video from memory, and to display menus or operating modes of camera 26.
  • Microphone 28 can be used to record audio information, or provide other sound input to electronic device 20.
  • Electronic device 20 can include more than one camera, wherein such cameras can be arranged on the front, as shown at camera 26 in FIG. 1 , and on the back of electronic device 20, as shown at camera 32 in the back elevation view of FIG. 2 .
  • camera 32 on back 30 of electronic device 20 can be a higher quality camera for taking better photographs and video
  • camera 26 on the front of electronic device 20 can be a lower quality camera for operating in a video chat or video call mode, where image quality may not be as important.
  • back 30 of electronic device 20 can include illuminator 34, which can produce light in the visible spectrum.
  • illuminator 34 can produce a bright white light having a spectrum balanced for capturing image data, such as taking a photograph or recording video.
  • illuminator 34 can be implemented with a light emitting diode (an LED).
  • illuminator 34 can be implemented with an incandescent light bulb, such as a small halogen bulb.
  • an LED illuminator is a preferred implementation of illuminator 34 in battery powered electronic devices 20.
  • electronic device 20 can also include infrared illuminator (IR illuminator) 36, which can be used to emit infrared light on the subject of the photographic scene.
  • IR illuminator infrared illuminator
  • both illuminator 34 and IR illuminator 36 are located near camera 32 on the back 30 of electronic device 20. Locating the illuminators near the camera can give a more pleasing angle of lighting when capturing photographs or recording video.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a high-level functional block diagram of an electronic assembly 100 for operating electronic device 20 shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Electronic assembly 100 can include multiple components, such as processor 102, which can control the overall operation of electronic device 20.
  • communication functions provided by electronic device 20 can include voice, data, and command communications, which may be implemented by communication subsystem 104.
  • Communication subsystem 104 can be used to initiate and support an active voice call or data communication session.
  • Communication subsystem 104 can include various combinations of hardware, software, and firmware to perform various designed functions.
  • the software can be functionally or conceptually divided into software modules. Software in one module may share or call upon functions in other modules.
  • Data received by electronic device 20 can be processed, including decompressed and decrypted, by decoder 106.
  • Communication subsystem 104 can receive messages from, and send messages to, wireless network 108.
  • Communication subsystem 104 can help initiate and operate an active call, wherein electronic device 20 is in a real-time voice communication session.
  • Wireless network 108 may be any type of wireless network, including, but not limited to, a cellular network, a wireless data network, a wireless voice network, and a network that supports both voice and data communications.
  • Wireless network 108 can use a variety of formats or protocols, such as those specified by standards including Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code division multiples access (CDMA), wireless Ethernet (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard 802.11), Wi-Fi, and other similar standards and wireless networking protocols.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • CDMA Code division multiples access
  • Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
  • Power source 110 can provide power to operate or charge electronic device 20, and can be implemented with one or more rechargeable batteries, or a port to an external power supply, wherein such power supply provides the appropriate power to all components of electronic assembly 100.
  • Processor 102 can interact with other components, such as random access memory (RAM) 112, memory 114, display 116 (illustrated in FIG. 1 as display 24), auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 118, data port 120, speaker 122, microphone and audio system 124, short-range communications subsystem 126, and other subsystems 128.
  • RAM random access memory
  • I/O auxiliary input/output subsystem 118
  • data port 120 data port 120
  • speaker 122 speaker 122
  • microphone and audio system 124 microphone and audio system 124
  • short-range communications subsystem 126 short-range communications subsystem 126
  • a user can enter data and operate functions of electronic device 20 with a data input device coupled to processor 102.
  • Data input devices can include buttons or keypad 22 (see FIG. 1 ), or, in some embodiments, a graphical user interface produced on display 116, which can use touches and gestures detected by a touch-sensitive overlay on display 116.
  • Processor 102 can interact with keypad 22 and/or the touch-sensitive overlay via an electronic controller (which can be represented by other subsystems 128). As part of the user interface, information, such as text, characters, symbols, images, icons, and other items that may be displayed or rendered on electronic device 20, can be displayed on display 116. Processor 102 can interact with accelerometer 130, which may be used to detect a direction of gravitational forces, or user-input acceleration forces. When using camera 26, accelerometer 130 can be used to record an orientation of a photograph. In other embodiments, buttons, such as buttons and keypad 22 in FIG. 1 , can be used to operate select functions of electronic device 20.
  • electronic device 20 can use a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity module (SIM/RUIM) card 132.
  • SIM/RUIM removable user identity module
  • user identification information can be programmed into memory 114.
  • Electronic device 20 can include operating system 134 and software programs 136, which can both be executed by processor 102.
  • Operating system 134 and software programs 136 can be stored in a persistent, updatable store, such as memory 114. Additional applications or programs can be loaded onto electronic device 20 through wireless network 108, auxiliary I/O subsystem 118, data port 120, short-range communications subsystem 126, or any other subsystem 128 suitable for transferring program files.
  • Software programs 136 can include software modules, such as camera controller module 146 and illuminator controller module 148, which are responsible for controlling the operation of camera subsystem 138 and processing or refining image data captured by camera system subsystem 138. Each of these software modules can call upon various hardware and software resources within electronic device 20 to execute the function. Additionally, functions described in the present disclosure can be implemented in various portions of electronic assembly 100, whether those portions be software modules or specialized hardware and firmware modules. In many instances, it may be possible to implement the same function in more than one portion of electronic assembly 100.
  • a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download can be processed by communication subsystem 104 and input to processor 102.
  • Processor 102 can processes the received signal for output to the display 116 and/or to the auxiliary I/O subsystem 118.
  • a wireless device user may generate data items, for example e-mail messages containing a photograph, which may be transmitted over wireless network 108 through communication subsystem 104.
  • Speaker 122 can be used to output audible information converted from electrical signals
  • microphone and audio system 124 can be used to convert audible information into electrical signals for processing.
  • Camera subsystem 138 can include many hardware, software, and firmware modules that are needed to capture image data (e.g., visual data). Examples of image data includes still photographs, and the video frames included in the moving images of a video data file.
  • camera subsystem 138 can include lens 140, image sensor 142, and lens position controller 144.
  • Image sensor 142 can include an array of millions of pixel sensors, wherein each is used to capture image data representing a single pixel in a photograph or in a frame of video. Image sensor 142 can be sensitive to light in the visible spectrum as well as light in the infrared spectrum.
  • the infrared spectrum is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.7 micrometers, and extending conventionally to 300 micrometers.
  • infrared light has a lower frequency than visible light. Due to the longer wavelength of infrared light, human eyes are not able to visibly perceive it. Due to the lower frequency of IR light, it is of lower energy when compared to visible light, and would thus use less power for operation than a visible light illuminator.
  • lens 140 can be used to focus rays of light 150 (visible and infrared) from a photographic scene 156 onto the surface of the image sensor 142.
  • Image sensor 142 converts incident light into image data, which can represent part of a photograph or frame of video.
  • image data can be stored in RAM 112 or memory 114 by processor 102.
  • Lens position controller 144 can produce signals for driving lens motor 154, or other suitable device, to correctly position lens 140 so that subject 156 of the photographic scene is properly focused.
  • camera subsystem 138 can also include metering sensor 158, which receives a portion of light rays 150 reflected by mirror 160 because mirror 160 can reflect only a portion of the energy in light rays 150 while allowing most of the energy in light rays 150 to pass through.
  • Metering sensor 158 can be used to take various measurements and produce numeric values used to calculate an exposure value for image capture, or be used to determine whether or not light rays 150 from subject 156 are properly focused on image sensor 142.
  • Illuminator 162 can be used to emit visible light 166 on a photographic scene in order to help focus lens 140, and in order to improve and increase the amount of light in rays 150 that reach sensor 142. Increasing the amount of light that reaches sensor 142 can reduce exposure duration, thereby reducing the risk that the camera will shake and blur the captured image.
  • infrared (IR) illuminator 164 can be used to emit infrared light 168 on a photographic scene. Infrared light reflected by objects in the scene can be used to help focus lens 140, or to improve and increase the amount of light or electromagnetic energy in rays 150 that reach sensor 142. Infrared light can also be used to sense whether there is an object or subject in the scene that can be illuminated with either visible or infrared light during image capture.
  • IR infrared
  • Camera subsystem 138 can be protected from dirt and other physical hazards by protective lens 170.
  • Protective lens 170 may be selected to pass infrared light.
  • Camera controller module 146 in FIG. 3 can include software, firmware, or other hardware needed to control the operation or configuration of camera subsystem 138.
  • camera controller module 146 can include software for controlling the focusing of camera subsystem 138, and for controlling the aperture settings and exposure durations of camera subsystem 138.
  • Camera controller module can interface with illuminator controller 148 to determine the appropriate illumination for both metering a scene and exposing a scene, using either visible light or infrared light.
  • FIG. 5 there is depicted a high-level flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of controlling a camera and an IR illuminator in an electronic device, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Such exemplary methods can be controlled by software that can be executed on hardware shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the method may be controlled by camera controller module 146 and executed on processor 102 within electronic assembly 100.
  • Other embodiments can use various combinations of hardware, firmware, or software to perform similar methods and processes.
  • method 500 begins at block 502, and continues at block 504, wherein the method determines whether an image capture has been initiated.
  • an image capture can be initiated, for example, by placing electronic device 20 in an image capture mode, which can include a camera mode for taking photographs or a video mode for recording moving images and sound.
  • the user initiates an image capture by placing electronic device 20 in a configuration that uses camera subsystem 138 to capture image data.
  • the method determines whether illumination can assist in metering a photographic scene, as illustrated at block 506.
  • the process of metering a scene can include measuring photographic characteristics of the scene.
  • the method can analyze the average amount of light, or contrast, or combination of other image characteristics that can be used to indicate that the scene is in a low light condition. When such image characteristics fall below a low-light threshold, it is likely that the user is attempting to photograph a lowlight scene, and it is likely that illumination can assist in metering and focusing the scene, and that illumination can improve the captured photograph.
  • method 500 can pass to block 510. If not, the method proceeds to block 508.
  • the IR illuminator can be activated to illuminate the scene, and measurements can be taken of the infrared light reflections.
  • the infrared light reflected by the scene can be used to determine whether or not later visible-light illumination can assist in metering the photographic scene.
  • the method can determine whether or not there is a light-reflecting object or subject in the scene that can be illuminated with visible light during the exposure of the actual photograph to improve the photograph. If a measurement of the reflected infrared light exceeds a reflected infrared light threshold, the method can assume that there is a subject that can be illuminated during the capturing of image data.
  • the method can discreetly analyze the scene of a potential photograph and begin to configure camera subsystem 138 to capture image data from the current scene.
  • Using infrared light to pre-flash or pre-analyze a scene can save energy and reduce the annoyance or confusion of people in the scene, which can be caused by periodically pre-flashing with visible light.
  • the method activates the IR illuminator, as depicted at block 508.
  • this can be implemented by using camera controller module 146 to send an instruction to illuminator controller 148 that activates IR illuminator 164 in camera subsystem 138 (see FIG. 3 ).
  • IR illuminator 164 can be activated continuously, or, to save energy, IR illuminator 164 can be activated in periodic bursts. If capturing image data includes capturing video, then IR illuminator 164 can be activated continuously during video recording.
  • method 500 analyzes sensor data to produce exposure data, which can include, for example, focus commands and exposure commands, as depicted at block 510.
  • sensor data can be produced by the main image sensor 142 or by metering sensor 158, which, in some 1 embodiments, can be specialized for measuring the exposure value of different frequencies of light.
  • Focus commands can be used to position lens 140 so that it properly focuses light from a photographic subject 156 on image sensor 142.
  • Such focus commands can be instructions to lens motor 154 to precisely move lens 140 with respect to sensor 142.
  • Exposure commands can include instructions for controlling an aperture opening and instructions specifying a duration for properly exposing image sensor 142.
  • Exposure commands can also take into consideration whether illuminator 162 or IR illuminator 164 will be activated during image exposure.
  • Exposure data can also be referred to as exposure parameters, which include parameters describing various settings needed to properly capture image data.
  • exposure data can include focus settings, aperture settings, exposure duration, image sensor sensitivity, illumination controls for visible and/or infrared light illuminators, filter controls, special effects controls, and the like.
  • the IR illuminator is deactivated, as illustrated at block 512.
  • method 500 can use focus commands to position the camera lens, as depicted at block 514.
  • the focus commands may be able to direct lens motor 154 to set lens 140 at a precise position.
  • focus commands may be a sequence of lens positioning commands that are given to lens motor 154 in an iterative process that will converge upon the proper location for lens 140 to focus the subject on image sensor 142.
  • the IR illuminator may be activated for taking additional measurements.
  • process 500 can begin image sensor exposure, as illustrated at block 516. This can be implemented by opening an aperture to a predetermined opening and allowing light to pass through lens 140 onto image sensor 142 for a predetermined exposure time.
  • the method determines whether or not illumination can improve the image exposure, as depicted at block 518. If illumination can improve the image exposure, the process passes to block 520, wherein the IR illuminator is activated.
  • IR illuminator 164 can be activated to produce infrared light 168 to supplement the exposure of visible light image. For example, when photographing a low-light scene, which will usually result in a photograph with poorly saturated color, activating IR illuminator 164 can enhance a photograph that will turnout to be nearly a black-and-white photo.
  • activating IR illuminator 164 can help take additional measurements, during image exposure, in order to make fine tuning adjustments to focusing or image exposure values.
  • both visible light illuminator 162 and IR illuminator 164 can be used together to illuminate the scene. If both illuminators 162 and 164 are used together, the illuminators 162, 164 can be used with different intensities, or durations, or in a selected ratio of one to another.
  • method 500 passes from block 518 to block 522, wherein the method captures image data using the exposure commands. Capturing image data can be implemented by opening an aperture to a prescribed diameter for a predetermined duration based on the analysis of sensor data at block 510.
  • method 500 deactivates the IR illuminator (if it had been activated during the image exposure), as illustrated at block 524. Thereafter, method 500 of controlling a camera and an IR illuminator ends, as depicted at block 526.
  • camera subsystem 138 can capture image data more than once for the same scene, wherein the visible light illuminator can be activated for capturing a first set of image data, and the IR illuminator can be activated for capturing a second set of image data. Thereafter, these two sets of image data can then be merged by selecting aspects of each data set that will produce an enhanced final set of image data, which final image data combines desirable characteristics and aspects of the multiple data sets.
  • This technique can be similar to image processing techniques that can be used to produce so-called “high dynamic range” images, or image processing techniques referred to as "focus stacking" for producing images with a greater depth of field.

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EP11193739.7A 2011-12-15 2011-12-15 Appareil et procédé de contrôle d'une caméra et illuminateur à infrarouges dans un dispositif électronique Active EP2605505B1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11193739.7A EP2605505B1 (fr) 2011-12-15 2011-12-15 Appareil et procédé de contrôle d'une caméra et illuminateur à infrarouges dans un dispositif électronique
CA2794067A CA2794067C (fr) 2011-12-15 2012-11-01 Appareil et methode de commande d'une camera et illuminateur infrarouge dans un dispositif electronique

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EP11193739.7A EP2605505B1 (fr) 2011-12-15 2011-12-15 Appareil et procédé de contrôle d'une caméra et illuminateur à infrarouges dans un dispositif électronique

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Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10771717B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2020-09-08 Lumileds Llc Use of IR pre-flash for RGB camera's automatic algorithms
EP3876211A1 (fr) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-08 Signify Holding B.V. Sélection d'une source de lumière pour l'activation basée sur un type et/ou la probabilité de présence humaine

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US4866285A (en) * 1988-06-20 1989-09-12 Murasa International Infrared flash unit
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WO2011047214A2 (fr) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-21 Optimum Technologies, Inc. Caméra rétinienne portative et procédé d'acquisition d'images

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US4866285A (en) * 1988-06-20 1989-09-12 Murasa International Infrared flash unit
GB2370958A (en) * 1998-02-02 2002-07-10 William Stephen George Mann Combining multiple images of the same scene with different illuminations
US20040246344A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Voss James S. Image sensor and method for imaging
WO2011047214A2 (fr) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-21 Optimum Technologies, Inc. Caméra rétinienne portative et procédé d'acquisition d'images

Cited By (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10771717B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2020-09-08 Lumileds Llc Use of IR pre-flash for RGB camera's automatic algorithms
US11418730B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-08-16 Lumileds Llc Use of IR pre-flash for RGB camera's automatic algorithms
EP3876211A1 (fr) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-08 Signify Holding B.V. Sélection d'une source de lumière pour l'activation basée sur un type et/ou la probabilité de présence humaine
WO2021176029A1 (fr) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-10 Signify Holding B.V. Sélection d'une source de lumière pour une activation sur la base d'un type et/ou d'une probabilité de présence humaine
US12008891B2 (en) 2020-03-06 2024-06-11 Signify Holding B.V. Selecting a light source for activation based on a type and/or probability of human presence

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CA2794067C (fr) 2017-10-03
EP2605505B1 (fr) 2016-05-04

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